Democrats Lead Midterm Polls; Voter Fraud Claims; Israel Elections

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Key Developments in U.S. Politics

Recent polling data from NPR/PBS News/Marist suggests that Democrats are positioned favorably for the upcoming midterm elections, with a likely advantage in gaining control of the U.S. House. Despite this, there are indications that a significant shift might not be as extensive as anticipated. The survey identifies key voter concerns, including economic hardships faced by one-third of Americans and worsening personal finances for 40%. While Democrats and independents prioritize democracy preservation, immigration tops the list for MAGA supporters.

• 🎧 Democrats have an 8-point lead among likely voters in the congressional race, reflecting a robust position, according to NPR’s Domenico Montanaro on Up First. Despite a slight improvement, President Trump’s approval rating remains at 40%. While Democrats seem secure in the House, the Senate race is uncertain. Montanaro emphasizes the need for patience, as many results may not be finalized by election night, typical in tight races.
• ➡️ The NPR App consolidates all election-related coverage — from national headlines to local concerns. Access stories, podcasts, and videos via the 2026 Election tab.

Arguments over the Trump administration’s request to have California set aside certain ballots are being heard today by a federal judge. This follows an appeals court’s refusal to intervene last night.

• 🎧 President Trump recently offered a $1 million reward for information on voter fraud leading to convictions. Despite repeated fraud claims, NPR’s Eric McDaniel notes that significant evidence impacting election outcomes in the U.S. remains unfound. The White House states its efforts aim to secure elections.
• ➡️ With elections approaching, Polymarket has examined numerous bets in its prediction markets, as shared by Shana Bautista, head of global intelligence, and investigations.

Israelis are casting their votes today, marking the first election since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Voters will decide whether to maintain Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership or opt for Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief advocating diplomacy over extremism. More details on the candidates and issues are available here.

• 🎧 NPR’s Ruth Sherlock reports on anticipated high voter turnout, with many viewing this election as pivotal for Israel’s future. Some citizens have returned from abroad to vote. At polling stations, perspectives vary, with some supporting Netanyahu for security and others demanding leadership change due to perceived security lapses. The vote count may extend over days, with negotiations needed to finalize the prime minister’s position.

Life Advice

Extended periods at your desk can leave you feeling stiff and fatigued. However, incorporating a few practical habits can help reset your body and mind. Life Kit offers useful strategies to counteract discomfort and health issues from prolonged sitting.

• 🧘 Taking a five-minute walk every half hour can combat fatigue and joint pain, reducing risks of chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease.
• 🧘 Combat back pain from desk slouching by rotating your spine to alleviate stress and improve flexibility.
• 🧘 Fidgeting is a sign to change positions. Pay attention and switch between sitting, standing, reclining, and moving.
• 🧘 To ease eye strain, do eye muscle exercises. Extend your arm, thumb up, and follow it with your eyes as you move it in large circles.

Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships, and more.

Picture Show

Forget flying brooms. Cape Town is home to South Africa’s real-world Hogwarts: the College of Magic. Every Saturday, almost 200 students ages 10 to 18 attend classes in a variety of things, including puppetry, mime and clowning, juggling, card tricks, illusions, mentalism, stage magic, theater production and escapology. In 1980, David Gore and a friend came up with the idea of starting a magic school. At the time, South Africa was grappling with apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation. But from day one, the establishment was multiracial, even though state schools were still strictly segregated. Almost 50 years later, the College of Magic continues to stand out in a city that remains deeply divided along racial and economic lines. These photos capture how the school has turned young dreamers into magicians.

3 Things to Know Before You Go

1. Blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay are threatened by invasive blue catfish. To tackle the problem, officials are creating kid-friendly catfish recipes that meet federal dietary requirements for school lunches in Maryland and Virginia.
2. Microsoft sent memos yesterday to about 60,000 employees, offering voluntary buyouts to further reduce its headcount. The offer is available to roughly one quarter of its workforce. (via KUOW)
3. The Archdiocese of New York has agreed to pay $800 million to settle claims from around 1,300 people who say they faced sexual abuse by clergy members and lay workers.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.